Ugly? Creepy? Ancient? Ornaments you love

December 23, 2013 1:49 PM

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Geoffrey A. Scripture, Houston: Over three decades ago, my parents (who'd retired in Kennebunkport) gave this ornament to me and my wife on our first Christmas together. It was meant as a remembrance of the Maine coast and the many lobster dinners we had on their porch.
I've since been willing to endure 31 annual arguments with my wife to place it on our Christmas tree in a prominent place. It's not exquisite and highly suspect as a symbol of a spiritual Christmas, but it has great meaning to us.
Isn't he cute???? less

Geoffrey A. Scripture, Houston: Over three decades ago, my parents (who'd retired in Kennebunkport) gave this ornament to me and my wife on our first Christmas together. It was meant as a remembrance of the ... more

Lynn S. Freeman, Katy: My father got this shrunken head (cow hide) from Latin. America many years ago. Against my mother’s wishes. He hung it on the Christmas tree. He passed away in 1996. And I continued to hang it in a place of honor, and in memory of his sense of humor. Those of you who know Dr. Steele from Angleton will know how appropriate it is. less

Lynn S. Freeman, Katy: My father got this shrunken head (cow hide) from Latin. America many years ago. Against my mother’s wishes. He hung it on the Christmas tree. He passed away in 1996. And I continued to ... more

Arla Neuberger, Spring: My ugly ornament doesn’t have any glitter, or glitz, it isn’t made with expensive materials.It didn’t cost a fortune or or come with a designers signature. It’s made of pipe cleaners a candy cane and plastic eyes. It was made by my daughter when she was a little girl. I can’t believe that after all these years the delicate candy cane is still in one piece!
My daughter Kristin, is now 39 years old and has been battling stage 4 breast cancer for three years.
I could never part with this ugly ornament. It reminds me of simpler times when my life was full of dreams for my daughter. We don’t know what lies ahead but my daughter has become just what I had hoped. Kind beyond measure, compassionate to a fault, smart as they come and with such “I can do” attitude it amazes me.
Her glass is ALWAYS overflowing.
My ugly ornament is beautiful! less

Arla Neuberger, Spring: My ugly ornament doesn’t have any glitter, or glitz, it isn’t made with expensive materials.It didn’t cost a fortune or or come with a designers signature. It’s made of pipe ... more

Bobbi Klebba, Houston: I’ve never spent a Christmas, without this angel on my tree, Throughout my childhood and with my husband and children, she has followed me.
Her wings are tearing, her face is cracked, The globe she sits on is all out of whack.
The glitter has fallen off through the years, But she’s so special and to me very dear.
As a teenager, I told my Mother,
Please get another angel that’s not so weathered.
My boys, they too, said this to me,
And couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t let her free.
But my mother, father, and brother too,
Have been gone so long, over 50 years it’s true.
And when I look at my angel so high,
I just smile as I view her with a sigh.
I remember how it used to be,
When I had my entire family.
She’s watched over me for all my life,
Through days of happiness and well as strife.
And now as I’m blessed with a family that’s so dear to me.
She continues to watch every year from my tree. less

Bobbi Klebba, Houston: I’ve never spent a Christmas, without this angel on my tree, Throughout my childhood and with my husband and children, she has followed me.
Her wings are tearing, her face is ... more

Brenda Larson: It was Christmas Eve, 1938, in Lexington, Texas. Santa came to visit our church and give little ornaments to the children. I was a little girl and petrified of Santa so I pretended I was asleep. He left this little Santa ornament on my lap. For the last 75 years the little Santa gets the front and middle place on our Christmas tree. He is missing a leg and only slightly orange but we would not take a million dollars for him. less

Brenda Larson: It was Christmas Eve, 1938, in Lexington, Texas. Santa came to visit our church and give little ornaments to the children. I was a little girl and petrified of Santa so I pretended I was asleep. ... more

Brett G. Hall: A worn plastic Santa has a special place on my tree and in my heart. It has always been my job to hang Santa as the last thing to go on the tree for as long as I can remember... at least 55 years now. The string is stretched out and his nose is worn but to me this ornament means a lifetime of Christmas memories. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it. And now my grandchildren always look for “Gamma’s Santa” on our tree. less

Brett G. Hall: A worn plastic Santa has a special place on my tree and in my heart. It has always been my job to hang Santa as the last thing to go on the tree for as long as I can remember... at least 55 years ... more

Brett G. Hall: A worn plastic Santa has a special place on my tree... Photo-5639772.76612 - Houston Chronicle

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Janet Blackburn: This snow globe reindeer is one of our family’s most cherished Christmas decorations. His creepy expression and his rotund belly that seemingly indicates that he swallowed Santa makes him the kids favorite. We won him a few years ago on Christmas day at our family celebration. Every year we try and guess when my punctuality challenged sister might show up. It’s all in good fun, and she can also win the drawing if her assigned time slot is chosen. The prize is always an ugly decoration, a pooping reindeer, a Yeti stocking, or something equally as unusual. Enjoy! less

Janet Blackburn: This snow globe reindeer is one of our family’s most cherished Christmas decorations. His creepy expression and his rotund belly that seemingly indicates that he swallowed Santa makes him ... more

Carol Ritter, Pearland: This little angel was given to us by one of our daughters over 35 years ago. She used to have hair (and didn’t we all!). She’s still holding up pretty well, clinging to her song book. Her little styrofoam cup body is cracked some but her pencil-poke eyes and mouth are still wide open in song. I love her because she exudes a certain dynamism in her chorine task in spite of her physical ailments. An apt model for us all! less

Carol Ritter, Pearland: This little angel was given to us by one of our daughters over 35 years ago. She used to have hair (and didn’t we all!). She’s still holding up pretty well, clinging to her song ... more

Carol Ritter, Pearland: This little angel was given to us by one of... Photo-5639773.76612 - Houston Chronicle

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Claire Tapscott, Houston: This is our beloved “Disco Pear” that has hung on my tree for about 40 years and was on my mother’s tree before that. The tree is never complete without this ornament. When my children were young they were so excited when this ornament was unwrapped and hung on the tree. This ornament survived when the dog turned over the tree one year and is in good shape considering its age. less

Claire Tapscott, Houston: This is our beloved “Disco Pear” that has hung on my tree for about 40 years and was on my mother’s tree before that. The tree is never complete without this ornament. When my ... more

Cynthia Rose, Houston:Mr. Frosty was created in 1964 at the dining room table of my beloved mother Mary Jean in Oklahoma City. Mother was crafting beautiful custom ornaments for our Christmas tree with all sorts of shiny beads, sequins, baubles, rhinestones, paint and odds n’ends. It was fascinating to watch the marvelous creations of her hand emerge each day for addition to our tree. She invited and encouraged me to join her and craft a one of a kind masterpiece to add to the collection, giving me full creative reign. Thus, Mr. Frosty was born. Mother lovingly told me he was perfect and he was added to her collection where he proudly hung for 40 years beside her beautiful ornaments as if he were one of them. When Mom went to her eternal reward in heaven, Mr. Frosty came to live with us in Houston. Every year, when he is added to our tree, I am sweetly reminded of my wonderful Mother’s unconditional love. less

Cynthia Rose, Houston:Mr. Frosty was created in 1964 at the dining room table of my beloved mother Mary Jean in Oklahoma City. Mother was crafting beautiful custom ornaments for our Christmas tree with all ... more

Cynthia Rose, Houston:Mr. Frosty was created in 1964 at the dining... Photo-5639775.76612 - Houston Chronicle

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Margie Schneider, Houston: He’s about 3.5 inches tall. He’s made of felt and stuffed with cotton balls. His sequins have long since faded and his uneven stitches still manage to hold him all together. My sister made it for me when she was 14. I was a divorced single mom raising a toddler and was in no mindset for another man in my life. She said this little man will always make me happy and never disappoint me. The following year I met the man who would change my life and make me want to be a better person. We’ve been happily married for 26 years. My sister is 44 now and we still remember the day she made that snowman ornament with the sequined eyes that reflect so much love and hope. less

Margie Schneider, Houston: He’s about 3.5 inches tall. He’s made of felt and stuffed with cotton balls. His sequins have long since faded and his uneven stitches still manage to hold him all together. My ... more

Debby Haas, Katy: Christmas seasons of my childhood were filled with silver tinsel and evergreen trees and Coca Cola Santas with ruddy cheeks. They were also filled with the story my grandmother told me each year as she remembered her own life.She would often trail off in mid-sentence when she was remembering her own ghosts from Christmas past. Her mother had died on Christmas, and the young teen girl that was the eldest of six children, soon married to create her own home. She told me tales of the difficulties of the depression, and perhaps the most moving story was was the one of their “best” Christmas. My grandfather had cut a tree and she made paper decorations but there were no gifts for her two tiny toddlers that were excited at the prospect of Christmas. My grandfather heard a rumor that a train was coming into town early Christmas Eve morning and that there would be jobs unloading the train. He went to the train station in the middle of the night and got into line,hoping to be chosen. My grandmother waited anxiously all day and she was in despair because she had nothing for her children on Christmas.She was at the kitchen window and saw him walking down the lane. He was carrying a bag and under his arm, he carried a small tricycle that he had purchased at a second hand store. In the bag was a tiny baby doll and five oranges for her to take to her still young siblings.They were able to “keep Christmas”.
They later survived the depression and soon she had money and bought her first ornaments. This surviving tiny reindeer was among the first she purchased. Through the years as we decorated for Christmas-the tiny reindeer would take her far away and she would tell me the story. This year I told the story for the first time to my own grand-daughter. I thought about the struggles of this young couple who survived life together and provided examples of love and faith and perseverance during hard times. I gave thanks for the many blessings within my own fami less

Debby Haas, Katy: Christmas seasons of my childhood were filled with silver tinsel and evergreen trees and Coca Cola Santas with ruddy cheeks. They were also filled with the story my grandmother told me each ... more

Ephron Catlin, Houston: Created by my daughter 37 years ago, this dough ornament angel was the sole survivor of a basement flooding 3 years later. She lost part of her wing at the same time but has steadfastly remained in a place of honor on our tree ever since. We have many fancier ornaments but none more treasured. less

Ephron Catlin, Houston: Created by my daughter 37 years ago, this dough ornament angel was the sole survivor of a basement flooding 3 years later. She lost part of her wing at the same time but has steadfastly ... more

Ina McDonald: This tiny wooden drum graced my parent’s first Christmas tree after they married during the 1930’s depression. It hung on their tree every year until 2010, more than 70 years. Now it decorates my tree, no glitter, no glamour, just a wonderful story for my grandsons, a wee bit of who they are. less

Ina McDonald: This tiny wooden drum graced my parent’s first Christmas tree after they married during the 1930’s depression. It hung on their tree every year until 2010, more than 70 years. Now it decorates ... more

Jeannine Coleman, Humble: Christmas week in l970 my husband, Hays Coleman, had a stomach virus and his chest started hurting and he was sent to St. Joseph’s hospital and was in CCU for 3 days. On Christmas Eve he was declared okay and sent to a room. We found this little Christmas object on a box of candy and used it to help decorate his room. Every year now we hang him from a light in our living room to remember that God is good. Hays celebrated his 87th birthday this Dec. 3rd. less

Jeannine Coleman, Humble: Christmas week in l970 my husband, Hays Coleman, had a stomach virus and his chest started hurting and he was sent to St. Joseph’s hospital and was in CCU for 3 days. On Christmas ... more

Jill Mercado: Why does this ornament means so much to our family?
I am sure some day- school teacher is still laughing about the thought of this River Oaks, preschool ornament. Somewhere, million dollar homes are festively decorated with a huge, cheap, plastic water bottle ornament donning their tree.
The ornament brings the most discussion every year to our family of five when we decorate the tree. Our beautiful daughter, now 14, is still amused by it. This year, the gangly ornament, the first that she made by herself, began its journey at the front and center of our tree, thanks to our mischievous 12 year old son. I can only imagine who banished it to the back of the tree, hidden tightly between the branches and window. I smirked as I relocated it back to its proper place, on the front of the tree. After photographing it for the Chronicle, I left it there... less

Jill Mercado: Why does this ornament means so much to our family?
I am sure some day- school teacher is still laughing about the thought of this River Oaks, preschool ornament. Somewhere, million dollar ... more

Jill Mercado: Why does this ornament means so much to our family?... Photo-5639780.76612 - Houston Chronicle

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Kathy Kleppel, Cypress: This is an ornament my daughter made as a Daisy Girl Scout about 18 years ago. It’s hung on my tree along with all the other hand-made ornaments throughout the years.

Kathy Kleppel, Cypress: This is an ornament my daughter made as a Daisy Girl Scout about 18 years ago. It’s hung on my tree along with all the other hand-made ornaments throughout the years.

Kathy Kleppel, Cypress: This is an ornament my daughter made as a... Photo-5639781.76612 - Houston Chronicle

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Lillian Shaver, Sugar Land: A picture of my tree topper, which has been on every Christmas tree since 1964. One year I didn’t put up a Christmas tree, but plugged her in, anyway, just to see if she would still light up. Without fail, every light comes on every year and I have not changed a single bulb since I purchased her. She’s a little rough around the edges because of her age and her skirt and wings are a little tattered, but I would never try to repair her. less

Lillian Shaver, Sugar Land: A picture of my tree topper, which has been on every Christmas tree since 1964. One year I didn’t put up a Christmas tree, but plugged her in, anyway, just to see if she would ... more

Mary Peldo, Houston: My daughter made this when she was in the fifth grade. It is the leg of a pair of hose stretched over a bent coat hanger. She is now 21. I have hung this reindeer every year. It really stands out in the room! less

Mary Peldo, Houston: My daughter made this when she was in the fifth grade. It is the leg of a pair of hose stretched over a bent coat hanger. She is now 21. I have hung this reindeer every year. It really ... more

Mary Peldo, Houston: My daughter made this when she was in the... Photo-5639784.76612 - Houston Chronicle

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Nancy Wheless, Houston: Our ugliest ornament was made by our eldest son in the early 1950’s. He
was then a Cub Scout, later to become a Boy Scout. The December project that
year for his group was to make a Christmas ornament. Each boy was given a white styrofoam ball, some red velvet ribbon, a red pipe cleaner, colored
sequins with pins, and glue. The resulting gift to me was, and is, precious
and priceless. It has been prominently displayed on our trees for sixty
years. Throughout the ages, civilizations have expressed the opinion, in
their own way, that, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” With this I
totally agree. Casual observers would say, if asked, that the ornament in
question is ugly. I ask, “What is more beautiful than the love with which it
was made, and the love with which it is cherished?” Ugly? No, “Bah, Humbug!” less

Nancy Wheless, Houston: Our ugliest ornament was made by our eldest son in the early 1950’s. He
was then a Cub Scout, later to become a Boy Scout. The December project that
year for his group was to make a ... more

Nina Stansel Zoch, Deer Park: This “Creepy Elf” (so called by my daughter) is the last remaining ornament from the childhood trees in my mother’s house in Pasadena, then Deer Park. A little scary, but he is carrying a toy deer and a doll. Not many survived the ruckus of 5 siblings divided into armed camps over hanging versus throwing the silver icicles onto the long-needle pine Christmas tree chopped down by my father while deer hunting. That was followed by wrapping-paper roll fights that lasted until the last piece of cardboard was in shreds. less

Nina Stansel Zoch, Deer Park: This “Creepy Elf” (so called by my daughter) is the last remaining ornament from the childhood trees in my mother’s house in Pasadena, then Deer Park. A little scary, but he ... more

Penny Dollahon, Houston: We were living in Hawaii at Ewa Beach Naval Base in 1976. At the little community preschool our first son, Walker, made this “cookie” ornament for our Christmas tree. I never dreamed it would last so many years - he is now the father of 5! Love the glitter, love the paint job at the hands of our three-year-old. Treasure it above all other ornaments! less

Penny Dollahon, Houston: We were living in Hawaii at Ewa Beach Naval Base in 1976. At the little community preschool our first son, Walker, made this “cookie” ornament for our Christmas tree. I never ... more

Penny Dollahon, Houston: We were living in Hawaii at Ewa Beach... Photo-5639787.76612 - Houston Chronicle

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Sharon Pendley, Sugar Land: My son Scott made this little paper drum when he was in the first grade in 1978. I was room mother in his class & I can remember every detail of him coloring & trying to paste it together. Its tattered & torn but I still hang it every year on my tree as a remembrance to him as he was killed almost 17 years ago. less

Sharon Pendley, Sugar Land: My son Scott made this little paper drum when he was in the first grade in 1978. I was room mother in his class & I can remember every detail of him coloring & trying to paste it ... more

Stacey Callan: This ornament was made by my big brother, Jeff. He was 5 years old when he brought it home from school and gave it to my mom. He said it was a monster and we have hung it on our tree every year for the past 45 years. Yes, my brother is now 50 years old and every year we hang it on our tree and giggle. My 8 year old son, Quinn just loves to be the one who hangs up Uncle Jeff’s monster! less

Stacey Callan: This ornament was made by my big brother, Jeff. He was 5 years old when he brought it home from school and gave it to my mom. He said it was a monster and we have hung it on our tree every year ... more

Tom and Dorothy Childers, Kingwood: Our most cherished ornament was made from a light bulb by our daughter when in she was first grade some fifty three years ago. She died in an accident when she was twenty. Christmas was always special for her so the ornament is hung each year with care. This is the ornament this year. less

Tom and Dorothy Childers, Kingwood: Our most cherished ornament was made from a light bulb by our daughter when in she was first grade some fifty three years ago. She died in an accident when she was twenty. ... more

Fran Hoyt, Houston: This “snowman” has been a part of our Christmas for over 20 years. It’s made of tissue and they obviously didn’t use permanent markers. Our daughter, who will be 29 in January, made it in daycare and we had to hang him up every year. Then it became a joke when she got to be older and now it’s just tradition. Our tree is all about memories and this is a very happy one! This will be a fun article to see all the “ugly” ornaments! less

Fran Hoyt, Houston: This “snowman” has been a part of our Christmas for over 20 years. It’s made of tissue and they obviously didn’t use permanent markers. Our daughter, who will be 29 in January, made ... more

Fran Hoyt, Houston: This “snowman” has been a part of our... Photo-5639791.76612 - Houston Chronicle

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Kathy Kalberer, The Woodlands: My treasured ornament is over 50 years old. My maternal grandmother made one for each of us five children and one for my parents. It is pinecone-shaped with blue plastic sequins sewn on. The hanging ribbon is made of velvet and it has small bells. Each of us five children received a solid colored ornament (blue, red, green, gold, or silver). My parents ornament is multicolored using all the colored sequins from their children’s ornaments. The velvet ribbon has lost some of its velvet and one side is faded, but I whenever I hang this ornament I remember the loving hands that created it many years ago. less

Kathy Kalberer, The Woodlands: My treasured ornament is over 50 years old. My maternal grandmother made one for each of us five children and one for my parents. It is pinecone-shaped with blue plastic sequins ... more

Sheila Keyes, Kingwood: At 10 years old ,our precious daughter Natalie (now 23), was given an assignment by her art teacher to make a Santa with newspaper paper mache over cardboard tubes. The entire class made standing Santas, but our creative child who also loved gymnastics decided her Santa should be doing the splits. My Christmas decor would not be complete without Natalie’s “Splitting Santa”. less

Sheila Keyes, Kingwood: At 10 years old ,our precious daughter Natalie (now 23), was given an assignment by her art teacher to make a Santa with newspaper paper mache over cardboard tubes. The entire class ... more